Marston Vale Wetlands Trail

This information has been provided courtesy of Let's Go. Simply log onto their website for more information.

This description should be read in conjunction with the route map. A link to this map is given below.

Route Map (PDF, 274kb)

Introduction

Please note that you need to pay at the Forest Centre to use this trail!

You can explore the 250 hectares of woodland, wetland and grassland on foot, by bike or on horseback at the Millennium Country Park. We have created a network of trails for walkers and cyclists which winds its way around the Country Park and a circular horse trail around the southern part of the Country Park.

Walk through the Wetland Reserve and you'll be experiencing a landscape and wildlife that has been virtually unknown in Bedfordshire up until now. Wetland habitats are vital for a whole range of plants, insects and animals - including rare species like the bittern and bearded tit. Here in the Forest of Marston Vale, we have created a new Wetland Reserve with reedbeds, grasslands, ponds, lake, woodland, scrub and hedges.

Different parts of the Wetland provide ideal habitats for different animal, so careful maintenance all year round is vital. Water levels have to be monitored and controlled. Some of the reeds have to be cut every winter to create 'stubble' for feeding.

Start/Finish Point

The complete route is a circular walk starting from the Forest Centre at the Forest of Marston Vale. The nearest station is Millbrook station. Follow the road to the right. Head through the third gate to the right into the Marston Vale Millennium Country Park.

You can buy tickets to Millbrook station on our website.

Access and General Information

Distance: 1.5 miles
Surface Types: You can expect to walk across a range of surfaces. From a hard, firm surface with no stones larger than 5mm to a hard but variable surface with loose, variable sized stone. The surface of the trail is generally rough and uneven. Several stretches (up to 50m long) have railway sleepers sunk across the path.
Linear Gradients: There is a range of linear gradients. The steepest section; 1:6 – 1:9 is less than 2 metres long. The remainder ranges from 1:10 – 1:13 to 1:18 or less.
Cross Falls: There are also variable cross falls ranging from 1:9 or steeper but 1:10 – 1:25 for the most part.
Width Restriction: There are no width restrictions less than 1000mm.
Steps: None recorded.
Barriers: None recorded.
Refreshments: The Forest Centre has a café bar where you can purchase family meals, snacks, hot and cold drinks.
Public Toilets: At the Forest Centre
Picnic Tables: There is 1 picnic table along the wetlands trail.
Seats: There are 3 seats along the wetlands trail.

Directions

Use the route map!

Weather Forecast

Below is the weather forecast for Marston Moretaine.

Print this page